1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (175 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ferrari 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 62 L |
